Finite Element and Theoretical Analysis of High-Strength Steel-Strand Mesh Reinforced ECCs Under Flexural Load

This research investigates the flexural performance of slabs reinforced with high-strength steel-strand mesh (HSSM) and engineered cementitious composites (ECCs). By employing finite element analysis (FEA) and theoretical modeling, this study aims to deepen the understanding of how these materials behave under bending stresses. A finite element model was developed to simulate the nonlinear behavior of ECCs during bending, considering critical elements such as tensile and compressive damage, as well as bond-slip interactions between the steel strands and the ECCs. Furthermore, a theoretical model was created to predict the load-bearing capacity of HSSM-reinforced ECC slabs, incorporating variables like reinforcement ratios, slab dimensions, and material characteristics. The findings reveal that increasing the reinforcement ratio substantially enhances both flexural stiffness and load-bearing capacity while reducing deflection. Comparisons between the FEA results, the theoretical forecasts, and the experimental observations show close alignment, validating the proposed models. This work provides important insights for optimizing the design of HSSM-reinforced ECC slabs, highlighting their potential improvements in structural systems that demand high flexural performance.